Botox for the Neck

by
PATTI KELLY Last Updated: Nov 11, 2015

Patti Kelly

Journalist and medical writer Patti Kelly has been writing health and parenting articles within the health care industry since 2004. A registered nurse, she has experience as a direct care provider, medical writer and translator. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, Spanish and French from Simpson College and is also fluent in American Sign Language.

The cosmetic injection Botox was made popular by its ability to reduce and even eliminate crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles. Over the years however, Botox providers have begun to administer the product into other areas of the body. One of these regions is the neck, bringing about the term “Botox neck lift.”

Effects

According to Allergan, Inc., the active ingredient in Botox is onabotulinumtoxinA. This purified form of botulinum toxin is injected into specific muscles. Once there it begins to block the nerve receptors and prevents nerve impulses from reaching the muscle. Within a day or so, recipients typically begin to notice the effects. This controlled relaxation of certain muscles helps to minimize wrinkles and relax prominent muscle lines. The temporary paralysis caused by the botulinum toxin generally lasts three to four months.

Benefits

The platysma muscle plays a direct role in the appearance of the neck as people age. Its position and thickness can determine how and when different individuals will show signs of aging. Over the course of time, thick vertical platysmal bands often become visible, running in a V-shape from the top portion of the neck to the base. These often pave the way for that “turkey gobbler” look. Properly administered Botox injections can relax this area and soften prominent neck bands.

Misconceptions

Botox only relaxes muscles. It doesn’t pull up sagging skin or eliminate fat deposits. The best results from Botox tend to be seen on people who have little fat, have minimal loss of skin elasticity and who suffer primarily from thick platysmal bands. If you have extensive wrinkling, loose skin and pockets of fat in the neck area, you may be disappointed over the limited improvements that you obtain from Botox.

Considerations

While Botox is certainly less costly than surgery, the results are subtle and temporary. If you are a good candidate and wanting to pamper yourself a little, Botox neck injections may be the route for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for more extensive or long term results, you may want to look into other options. Research the more substantial benefits that can be attained by a neck or face lift to see if these are the results you’re looking for.

Warning

Before embarking on an adventure with Botox, remember that it is a drug with the potential for side effects. Errors by the person administering the Botox injections or leaking of the botulinum toxin can result in unintended paralysis of the muscles involved in moving your head, breathing and swallowing. Also, it’s important to understand that Botox injections into the neck for cosmetic reasons are currently not an FDA approved use of the medication. Detailed information about Botox and potential side effects is available at the FDA website and should be reviewed before having the injections.

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